Exercise Device for the Shoulder

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an exercise device for a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a user comprising a container housing, wherein the container housing comprises a first container shell, wherein the first container shell comprises a first container shell exterior surface and a first container shell interior surface surrounding a first container shell void, wherein the first container shell interior surface forms a substantially spherical surface; a second container shell, wherein the second container shell comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a second container shell interior surface, wherein the second container shell interior surface surrounds the first container shell exterior surface whereby the first container shell is nested inside the second container shell; and a spherical ball positioned within the first container shell void; wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement and rotation of an arm of a user causes movement and rotation of the container housing and movement and rotation of the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a portable exercise devicethat works to strengthen and rehabilitate the arm and in particular theshoulder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In human anatomy, the shoulder is that part of the body where the armattaches to the torso. Articulations between the upper arm bone, thecollarbone, the shoulder blade, and the associated muscles, ligaments,and tendons that attach these three bones together make up the shoulderjoints. A properly working shoulder is flexible over a wide range ofmotion required in the arms and hands. However, this tremendous range ofmotion also makes the shoulder extremely unstable, far more prone todislocation and injury than other joints.

The shoulder is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body.This is due to the complex arrangement of the surrounding ligaments andtendon muscle groups that are needed for, first, stabilization of thejoint, and then, second, for providing a coordinated movement of theshoulder through a three-dimensional space at varying velocities ofacceleration and deceleration. Unlike the hip joint, which includes abone socket for support, the shoulder lacks a bone socket and reliessolely on the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments for supportand stabilization.

The rotator cuff is an anatomical term given to the group of smallmuscles and their tendons that act to stabilize the shoulder. Moving theshoulder through space requires the coordinated activation anddeactivation of the rotator cuff while permitting the larger powermuscle group, such as the deltoid and pectoral muscles, to provide theneeded acceleration and torque when engaged in any type of throwing orswinging activity. Sports that place high demands on such coordinatedefforts include baseball, football, tennis, volleyball, golf, andracquetball, just to name a few. Essentially any activity that requiresthe use of the arm needs shoulder stability and control to function.These may be anything from hanging a jacket on the coat rack to playingping-pong or basketball, or holding onto the rope while water skiing.

Shoulder exercises typically are intended to strengthen the shoulder,thus preventing injury; or to rehabilitate the shoulder after injury orsurgery. The most basic equipment for the aid of strengthening of theshoulder is the dumbbell. Free-weights allow front to back, up and down,or side-to-side exercises. The larger power muscles are strengthenedwhile the small stabilizing muscle groups are ignored. Exercise rubberbands or tubes, and cable weight systems function similar to freeweights. That is, unidirectional strengthening of muscle groups. Byvarying the technique of how the tube or the cable is pulled, a personmay exercise some specific rotator cuff muscles. However, these exercisemovements work on only a few muscle groups at a time in a unidirectionalmanner without the ability to vary the level of intensity during theworkout period.

The Bodyblade® device (U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,262) requires the coordinatedefforts of a few opposing muscle groups during the exercise routine. Italso has a benefit of allowing the individual to vary the intensity ofthe workout while in the midst of doing the workout by varying the speedor magnitude at which one moves the Bodyblade®. However, again, it lacksmultidirectional, proprioceptive training of all of the surroundingshoulder muscle groups at the same time. The Bodyblade® moves only in aunidirectional plane, i.e. side to side or up and down.

The Dyna-Flex Pro Gyro Trainer® or the Dyna-Flex Power Ball GyroTrainer® are hand-held devices that use gyroscopic principle forstrengthening primarily of the wrist and forearm. However, thesetrainers include limitations such as (1) that the resistance cannot bevaried much during use as it is preset predominantly by the pull of thecord in the rotor groove, and (2) very little resistance or workoutability can be transferred to the shoulder joint. The Center Force GolfDyna Max Core Gyro Trainer® strengthens primarily the wrist and forearmgrip strengths. The shoulder muscle groups are not isolated fordedicated strengthening because this device has to be gripped ontotightly by the hand, thus the effect of the exercise is directed to thehand, wrist, and forearm via the gripping force that is required whileholding onto this device.

The Upper Body Ergometer® (UBE) is essentially a freestanding machinewith two crank peddles that allow the user to peddle through as if“riding the bicycle” with the arms. Variable resistances may be set.Drawbacks of the UBE include its expense, non-portability, and lack ofvariability for training of different shoulder muscle groups.

As noted above, traditional shoulder exercise devices provide exercisesin a unidirectional—side-to-side or up and down—manner. However, theshoulder functions in a complex multidirectional manner throughthree-dimensional space. Although traditional exercises provide somebenefits, they lack an ability to strengthen and educate the shoulder ina multidirectional manner that is needed for the numerous types ofdemands placed upon the shoulder by an infinite number of types ofactivities.

The exercise device embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,740 includes asplint, a single container sphere and a ball inside the containersphere. The container is attached to the underside of the splint. Theshoulder is exercised by rotating the ball within the container. Theuser may also select a suitable level of workout by inserting containerspheres of varying diameters to a splint and by selecting a ball with adesired weight. However, the ball is secured within the container bylatching the container closed. User error in incompletely securing theball in the container could result in the ball exiting the container ata high velocity during use, possibly resulting in injury. Further, thedevice embodied in U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,740 is complex to manufacture andthe container is prone to cracking after extended use.

Thus, there is a need for an improved shoulder exercise device forshoulder strengthening and rehabilitation.

This background information is provided for informational purposes only.No admission is necessarily intended, nor should it be construed, thatany of the preceding information constitutes prior art against thepresent invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description ofthe embodiments and the following detailed description are exemplary,and thus do not restrict the scope of the embodiments.

In one aspect, the invention comprises an exercise device for a rotatorcuff of a shoulder of a user comprising a container housing, wherein thecontainer housing comprises

-   -   i) a first container shell, wherein the first container shell        comprises a first container shell exterior surface and a first        container shell interior surface surrounding a first container        shell void, wherein the first container shell interior surface        forms a substantially spherical surface;    -   ii) a second container shell, wherein the second container shell        comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a second        container shell interior surface, wherein the second container        shell interior surface surrounds the first container shell        exterior surface whereby the first container shell is nested        inside the second container shell; and    -   iii) a spherical ball positioned within the first container        shell void;

wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement and rotation of anarm of a user causes movement and rotation of the container housing andmovement and rotation of the ball within the container housing in adirection that follows a circumference of the first container shellinterior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder ofthe user.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a splint, a container, a balland optionally a sensor unit capable of detecting motion of the exercisedevice. The container comprises a first container shell having a firstcontainer shell interior surface surrounding a first container shellvoid and a second container shell surrounding the exterior of the firstcontainer shell. The first container shell interior surface can form aspherical surface having a first container shell interior center. Theball can be positioned within the first container shell void and includea ball center where, when the exercise device is moved by the arm, boththe container and the ball rotate together with the ball centeradditionally moving around a circumference that follows a circumferenceof the first container shell interior surface. In some embodiments, thecontainer can be permanently or removably attached to the splint at anend abutting a wrist receiving portion of the splint so that the user'shand can grip the container. In some embodiments, the sensor unitcapable of detecting motion of the exercise device can be attached tothe underside of the splint.

In some embodiments, the exercise device does not include a splint butcomprises a container having an interior spherical surface surrounding avoid and a ball positioned within the void. In some embodiments, theexercise device can further include a hand strap on the container. Auser can use the exercise device to strengthen and/or rehabilitate anarm by moving the container so that both the container and the ballrotate together with the ball center additionally moving around acircumference that follows an interior circumference of the container.

In some embodiments, the first container shell comprises twosubstantially equal halves joined at a first seam, wherein the secondcontainer shell comprises two substantially equal halves joined at asecond seam, wherein the first seam and the second seam do not occupysubstantially the same plane.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making theexercise device of the invention comprising

i) placing the ball in a half of a first container shell;

ii) joining the other half of the first container shell to form a firstseam;

iii) placing the first container shell inside a half of a secondcontainer shell; and

iv) joining the other half of the second container shell to form asecond seam.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of exercising arotator cuff of a shoulder of a user, comprising providing the user withthe exercise device of the invention, wherein the user moves theexercise device with their arm and rotates the container housing at asufficient speed to move the ball within the container housing in adirection that follows a circumference of a first container shellinterior surface, thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder ofthe user.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the specificexamples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a right side view of exercise device 100 attached to an arm10.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of arm 10 and hand 12 in relation tomovement of ball 400.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of splint 200.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of splint 200.

FIG. 5 is a front view of container 300 having container shell interiorcenter 322.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of partially assembled exercise device 100and second container shell second half 330.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of interpreting this specification, the followingdefinitions will apply and whenever appropriate, terms used in thesingular will also include the plural and vice versa. In the event thatany definition set forth below conflicts with the usage of that word inany other document, including any document incorporated herein byreference, the definition set forth below shall always control forpurposes of interpreting this specification and its associated claimsunless a contrary meaning is clearly intended (for example in thedocument where the term is originally used). The use of “or” means“and/or” unless stated otherwise. The use of “a” herein means “one ormore” unless stated otherwise or where the use of “one or more” isclearly inappropriate. The use of “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,”“include,” “includes”, and “including” are interchangeable and notintended to be limiting. Furthermore, where the description of one ormore embodiments uses the term “comprising,” those skilled in the artwould understand that, in some specific instances, the embodiment orembodiments can be alternatively described using the language“consisting essentially of” and/or “consisting of.” “About” as usedherein refers to ±10% of the numerical value recited.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an exercise device for arotator cuff of a shoulder of a user comprising a container housing,wherein the container housing comprises

-   -   i) a first container shell, wherein the first container shell        comprises a first container shell exterior surface and a first        container shell interior surface surrounding a first container        shell void, wherein the first container shell interior surface        forms a substantially spherical surface;    -   ii) a second container shell, wherein the second container shell        comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a second        container shell interior surface, wherein the second container        shell interior surface surrounds the first container shell        exterior surface whereby the first container shell is nested        inside the second container shell; and    -   iii) a spherical ball positioned within the first container        shell void;        wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement and        rotation of an arm of a user causes movement and rotation of the        container housing and movement and rotation of the ball within        the container housing in a direction that follows a        circumference of the first container shell interior surface,        thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

The diameter of the second container shell interior surface is such thatit is capable of surrounding the first container shell exterior surface.In some embodiments, the diameter of the second container shell interiorsurface is substantially equal to the diameter of the first containershell exterior surface such that there is no void separating the secondcontainer shell interior surface and the first container shell exteriorsurface and both surfaces make contact with one another when the secondcontainer shell surrounds the first container shell. In someembodiments, the diameter of the first container shell exterior surfaceis at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%,at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, orat least 99% of the diameter of the second container shell interiorsurface.

The material that can be used to make the first container shell and/orsecond container shell is not limiting and can include, e.g., plastic,wood, tempered glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, thefirst container shell and/or second container shell has a thickness ofabout 2 to about 8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the thickness isabout 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the firstcontainer shell is composed of two parts joined at a first seam and thesecond container shell is composed of two parts joined at a second seam,wherein the first seam and the second seam do not occupy substantiallythe same plane. In some embodiments, the first and second containershells comprise substantially equal halves. By not substantiallyoccupying the same plane, the first seam and second seam are disposed atan angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, the angle rangesfrom about 1 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angleis about 1 degrees, about 2 degrees, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees,about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees,about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees,about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees,about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees,about 85 degrees, or about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the firstseam and the second seam are disposed substantially perpendicular (i.e.,at 90 degrees) to each other. Surprisingly, having the first and secondseams disposed at an angle relative to each other results in enhancedstrength and reduced cracking and/or separation of the container broughtabout by the centripetal forces of the ball while in use.

The joining together of the container shell parts (e.g., substantiallyequal halves) is not limiting. In some embodiments, the halves or partsof each of the first container shell and/or the second container shellcan be joined by any suitable means including adhesive, ultrasonicwelding, chemical welding, glue, adhesive tape, or mechanical fasteners.The halves or parts of each of the first container shell and/or thesecond container shell may also be joined by mechanical fasteners. Insome embodiments, the mechanical fasteners are selected from snap onmale-female latches, screws or rivets. In some embodiments, the halvesor parts of each of the first container shell and/or the secondcontainer shell may include external flanges to facilitate attachment bymechanical fasteners.

In some embodiments, the first container shell and the second containershell are translucent or transparent and allow a user to visually trackthe ball traveling around the interior of the container. In someembodiments, the first container shell and/or the second container shellare opaque. In some embodiments, the first container shell and/or thesecond container shell are opaque and are colored by single or multiplecolors or designs, icons, logos, pictures, drawings or the like.

The diameter of the second container shell exterior surface is notnecessarily limiting provided it can be moved and rotated by the user.In some embodiments, the diameter of the second container shell exteriorsurface can be about 3 to about 10 inches. In some embodiments, theexternal diameter of the second container is about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9or 10 inches. In some embodiments, the external diameter of the secondcontainer is about 4 inches to about 6 inches.

The ball that can be used in the device is not limiting. The ball can bea round object whose center can move in relation to the circumference ofthe first container shell interior surface. The ball can be made of anysuitable material. In some embodiments, the ball is made of metal, metalalloy, wood, rubber, tempered glass, plastic or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the ball has a coating on its surface so as to giveit a smoother, softer and/or quieter feel when the ball is spun withinthe container. In some embodiments, the coating is rubber, plastic orsilicon. The ball can have any suitable weight. In some embodiments, theball weighs from about 1 ounce to about 16 ounces. In some embodiments,the ball weighs about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6,about 7, about 8, about 9 or about 10 ounces. In some embodiments, theball weighs about 2 ounces, about 5 ounces, or about 7 ounces. In someembodiments, the ball has an exterior color, label and/or patternindicating weight. The exterior color of the ball is not limiting andcan include any type of color hue. In some embodiments, the exteriorcolor is selected from blue, red, green, yellow, black, white, purpleand orange and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the exteriorcolor is selected from blue, red and black. In some embodiments, theball has a rubber coating on its surface and the ball comprises plastic,wood, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the ball can be madeof translucent material comprising an electronic or fluorescent flashingdevice that emits different color patterns when moved during rotationalactivity of the arm of the user.

Some embodiments of the exercise device comprise a container having aball sealed in a first container shell that is sealed in a secondcontainer shell. A half of the second container shell is formed of asingle piece with the splint. The second half of the second containershell is permanently fixed to the half of the second container shell.

In some embodiments, the two halves of each of the first and/or secondcontainer shell are substantially equal in size. However, the two halvesof the first and/or second container shell may be any suitable size. Insome embodiments, the first and/or second container shell may becomposed of more than two pieces.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a splint. In some embodiments,the splint is attached to the container housing. In some embodiments,the splint is rigidly attached to the container housing. In someembodiments, the splint effectively eliminates wrist motion and therebyimparts all active motion needed to spin the ball to the shoulder'srotator cuff muscle. In some embodiments, the splint and at least aportion of the container can be formed of a continuous piece. In someembodiments, the splint and a first half of a container shell are formedof one continuous piece. In other embodiments, the splint and containerare separate pieces that are configured to be attached together prior touse.

In some embodiments, the splint comprises i) a splint shell configuredto be attached to the arm to restrain the wrist from moving in a turningmotion. In some embodiments the splint shell has a shell bend portionconfigured to contact the wrist. In some embodiments, the shell bendportion is attached to the container housing and is configured so thatthe user's hand can grasp the container housing when the arm is securedin the exercise device. In some embodiments, the splint comprises i) asplint shell configured to be attached to the arm to restrain the wristfrom moving in a turning motion, and ii) at least one strap attached tothe splint shell. In some embodiments, the exercise device is secured tothe arm with a forearm strap, a wrist strap and a hand strap or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of the straps isattached to the splint. The one or more straps may be laced throughslots in the splint or may be attached to the splint by any suitablemeans. In some embodiments, the position of the straps may beconstrained by raised portions of the splint. In some embodiments, ahand strap may be attached to the container. In some embodiments, theexercise device has a forearm strap and a wrist strap laced throughslots in the splint. In some embodiments the straps are elastic materialsuch as rubber that are configured to secure the exercise device to theuser.

In some embodiments, the splint comprises a splint shell configured tobe attached to the arm to restrain the wrist from moving in a turningmotion, wherein the user's arm, wrist or hand are stabilized onto thesplint by an external wrap. In some embodiments, the external wrap is amedical bandage, such as an ACE bandage.

In some embodiments, the straps or wraps are elongated pieces ofmaterial having ends that may fasten together using hook fasteners andloop fasteners.

In some embodiments, the splint has padded material on at least aportion of a surface that contacts the user's forearm, wrist, or hand,or portion thereof during use. The padded material may be any suitablematerial. In some embodiments, the padded material is a gel pad.

The splint can be made of any suitable material such as plasticincluding lightweight thermoplastic material or of a generally planarmalleable metal core. In some embodiments, the splint comprises plastic,wood, metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the splint comprisesplastic. The splint may be of any suitable length. The splint may beabout 4 inches to about 16 inches in length. For example, the splint maybe about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15 or about 16 inches in length.The splint may have any suitable width. For example, the splint may beabout 1, about 1.5, about 2, about 2.5, about 3, about 3.5, about 4,about 4.5, about 5, about 5.5, or about 6 inches wide.

In some embodiments, the ball is sealed inside the container. In someembodiments of the invention, one or more exercise devices with the ballsealed inside the container are provided to allow the user to choose adesired level of workout. In some embodiments, one or more of thefollowing devices are provided: an exercise device having a containerwith an outside diameter of about 4 inches containing a ball with aweight of about 2 ounces; an exercise device having a container with anoutside diameter of about 4 inches containing a ball with a weight ofabout 5 ounces; an exercise device having a container with an outsidediameter of about 4 inches containing a ball with a weight of about 7ounces; an exercise device having a container with an outside diameterof about 6 inches containing a ball with a weight of about 2 ounces; anexercise device having a container with an outside diameter of about 6inches containing a ball with a weight of about 5 ounces; and anexercise device having a container with an outside diameter of about 6inches containing a ball with a weight of about 7 ounces.

In some embodiments, the exercise device comprises a sensor unit capableof detecting movement of the exercise device. In some embodiments, thesensor unit comprises an accelerometer that detects movement of theexercise device. The accelerometer can be a single plane, dual-plane,tri-plane, or multi-plane device. The accelerometer can be amultiple-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer can be capable ofgenerating real-time accelerometer data comprising an X-axis signal, aY-axis signal and a Z-axis signal based on a movement of the user. Anexample of a suitable accelerometer is Model 8101 Accelerometermanufactured by Measurement Specialties of Hampton, Va. The sensor unitcan be attached to the splint or container or can be a separatecomponent that is attached to the user at a suitable position to detectmovement of the arm or exercise device.

In some embodiments of the invention, rotations of the ball within thecontainer correlate with the number of muscular contractions in therotator cuff of the user. Thus, detecting the number of rotations perminute (RPM) of the ball with the sensor unit enables measurement of howmuch work is done by the rotator cuff muscles. Therefore, detectingmotion with the sensor unit enables measurement of the effort orintensity of the workout; the length of the workout; and the peak,average and/or mean RPM during the workout. In some embodiments, thesensor unit stores information. The information that can be stored bythe sensor unit is not limiting and can include information about theworkout as well as any biometric data. In some embodiments, the sensorunit stores information such as, for example, time, real time indicationof RPM, total RPM, max/min/average RPM. In some embodiments, the sensorunit is capable of transmitting the information, for example, to anotherdevice such as a computer, smartphone, etc., or to a website or otherserver. In some embodiments, the communication can be wireless orthrough a physical connection.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit is configured to enable a user toinput biometric data such as height, weight and age. In someembodiments, the sensor unit can display information about the workoutsuch as effort or intensity of the workout; the length of the workout;the total force generated during the workout; and the peak, averageand/or mean RPM during the workout. In some embodiments, the sensor unitcan display workout goals calculated using biometric data entered aboutthe user. In some embodiments the sensor unit detects the user's heartrate.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit displays workout goals based on thetotal anticipated cumulative force required by the rotator cuff to dothe work of a particular event. For instance, pitching a baseball at 90mph for 80 pitches by someone who is six feet seven inches weighing 230pounds, or swimming 2.4 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes by someone who issix feet tall weighing 210 pounds, or punching 500 times in a boxingmatch by someone who is 5 feet 5 inches tall weighing 147 pounds. Insome embodiments, the sensor unit will track and display specific goalsfor a training program to do a specific event. For instance, the sensorunit can provide workouts of increasing intensity based on a user'sbiometric data to strengthen rotator cuff muscles for a baseball game, atennis match, a boxing match, a swimming event, a golf tournament, etc.The accelerometer can also provide workouts based on a user's biometricdata for rehabilitation of rotator cuff muscles following injury orinactivity.

In some embodiments, the sensor unit has an indicator of ball rotationswithin the container. In some embodiments, the indicator provides afirst signal when the ball is rotating at a certain number of rotationsover a specified period of time (e.g., 10 to 320 rotations per minute)and a second signal when the ball is rotating at a greater number ofrotations over the specified period of time (e.g., more than 320rotations per minute). In some embodiments, the first signal is a greenlight and the second signal is a red light. In some embodiments, a usercan maintain the ball within the container at an RPM of between about 10and 320, as indicated by the green light, for an easy maintenance levelworkout, or maintain the ball within the container at an RPM of greaterthan about 320 rotations per minute, as indicated by the red light, fora higher intensity workout. In some embodiments, a user, such as aprofessional athlete, may desire to keep the ball at an RPM of greaterthan about 320 for a maximal workout effort. The sensor unit indicatorsof ball RPM can act as a “motivational coach” for the user.

In some embodiments, the indicator is an emission of light, wherein theintensity of emission of light varies as a rheostat in accordance withthe velocity of the spin rate of the ball. In some embodiments, a higherspin rate results in a greater intensity of light emission and a lowerspin rate results in a dimming of the light emission intensity. In someembodiments, when the ball is rotating at about 10 to 320 rotations perminute a first intensity of light is emitted and a second intensity oflight is emitted when the ball is rotating at greater than about 320rotations per minute.

Methods of using an accelerometer and biometric data are discussed in,for example, U.S. Patent Application 2015/0287338 and U.S. Pat. Nos.8,579,827, 5,723,786, 9,008,973 and 9,089,285 which are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the exercise device does not comprise a splint. Insome embodiments, the exercise device comprises the container containinga ball as taught herein. In some embodiments, the exercise devicecomprises the container containing a ball as taught herein and canfurther comprise a hand strap and/or a sensor unit capable of measuringmovement of the exercise device. These embodiments can be used in themethods of exercising described herein. This exercise device can bemanufactured by the methods described herein except that the splint isnot attached to the exercise device.

Referring now to some embodiments of the invention, there is shown inFIG. 1 a right side view of exercise device 100 attached to an arm 10.Before further describing exercise device 100, it may help to have somehuman anatomy information. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of arm 10 andhand 12 in relation to movement of ball 400. Arm 10 in colloquial speechmay refer to the entire upper limb of a person from a shoulder 14through an elbow 16 to a wrist 18. Wrist 18 may be a flexible andnarrower connection between a forearm 20 and hand 12. Forearm 20 may bethe structure on the upper limb of the person, between elbow 16 andwrist 18 and hand 12 may be a prehensile body part located at an end ofarm 10. Human hand 12 may include digits 22 extending from a palm 24.Palm 24 may be an inner surface of hand 12 extending from wrist 18 to adigit base 28 of digits 22. Digits 22 may include fingers 30, includingmiddle finger 32, and a thumb 34 extending from digit base 28. Digits 22of human hand 12 may be positioned around or on container 300 (FIG. 1).

Proprioception is the sense of the relative position of neighboringparts of the body. Unlike the six exteroceptive senses (sight, taste,smell, touch, hearing, and balance) by which individuals perceive theoutside world, and interoceptive senses, by which individuals perceivethe pain and the stretching of internal organs, proprioception is athird distinct sensory modality that provides feedback solely on thestatus of the body internally. It is the sense that indicates whetherthe body is moving with required effort, as well as where the variousparts of the body are located in relation to each other. In someembodiments, the exercise device of the invention providesproprioceptive training of all of the surrounding shoulder muscle groupsat the same time.

Referring to FIG. 1, exercise device 100 can be a portable exercisedevice that can work to strengthen and/or rehabilitate arm 10 and inparticular the shoulder of that arm 10. Exercise device 100 can includea splint 200 configured to be attached to arm 10, a container 300attached to splint 200, and a ball 400 positioned within container 300.Exercise device 100 can include a sensor unit 500 capable of detectingmovement of the exercise device 100. When splint 200 attached tocontainer 300 is attached to arm 10, container 300 can abut hand 12 whenthe exercise device is worn by the user.

In operation, a user can attach exercise device 100 to arm 10 andposition a user hand 12 at various positions within three-dimensionalspace, e.g. in front of his/her body, to his/her side, above his/herhead, or in front of the face. The user then can move arm 10 in acircular and multidirectional fashion to cause ball 400 to rotate withincontainer 300 in a centrifugal manner in a bounded area. The remotecentrifugal movement of ball 400 can generate a resistance particular toexercise device 100 that can help exercise the various muscles groups inthe person's shoulder, including the small, surrounding stabilizingmuscles known as the rotator cuff. By utilizing balls 400 of differentweights/diameters and containers 300 of different diameter, anindividual can vary the resistance provided by exercise device 100 toprovide an effective way to strengthen and rehabilitate the muscleswithin the shoulder joint and, in turn, help expedite the recoveryprocess after injury or surgery.

Shown in FIG. 3 is another view of exercise device 100. FIG. 4 is abottom view of exercise device 100. Splint 200 can be a statichand-wrist orthosis to hold the wrist, in combination with container300, at a particular angle and to provide support and proper positioningof the hand around container 300. Splint 200 can include a splint shell202, a forearm strap 204 and a wrist strap 206. Forearm strap 204 andwrist strap 206 can be laced into splint shell 202 at slots 210.

Splint shell 202 can be a rigid form that can follow the contour alongforearm 20 and wrist 18 when hand 12 is positioned on container 300.Splint shell 202 may also have a trough-like portion 230 configured tocradle the forearm when positioned in the splint. Splint shell 202 caninclude slots 210 and a shell bend portion 212 configured to contactwrist 18 when hand 12 is positioned on container 300. Slots 210 can beelongated openings within splint shell 202 that can be configured toreceive forearm strap 204 and wrist strap 206. Shell bend portion 212can be a curvature in a profile of splint shell 202 to permit splintshell 202 to transition from forearm 20 to wrist 18. Shell bend portion212 can be rigidly attached to the container 300. With splint 200attached to arm 10 and hand 12 positioned on container 300, shell bendportion 212 can be configured to contact the wrist 18. Container 300 caninclude raised portions 340 on a surface configured to aid a user ingripping the container 300 during use of the exercise device. In someembodiments, shell bend portion 212 conforms to the natural contour ofthe wrist-forearm resting position in a slightly extended posture of thewrist. This is the functional resting position of the wrist and permitsmore comfortable and ergonomically friendly position during usage of theexercise device.

Splint shell 202 can be made of plastic including lightweightthermoplastic material or of a generally planar malleable metal core andmay further comprise gel padding on a surface configured to be contactedwith at least a portion of forearm 20, wrist 18 and/or hand 12.

The forearm strap and the wrist strap each can be an elongated piece ofmaterial having ends that can fasten together using hook fasteners andloop fasteners. The forearm strap and wrist strap each can be lacedthrough slots in the splint. Hook fasteners and loop fasteners can bebrought together to fasten the forearm strap around the forearm and thewrist strap around or a little distal of the wrist.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a front view of container 300 with first containershell 302, second container shell 304 and first container shell interiorcenter 322. First seam 326 and second seam 336 are disposedperpendicular to each other. Container 300 can be an object to encompassball 400 and to provide rotation paths for ball 400 to roll aroundinside container 300. When exercise device 100 is moved by arm 10, bothcontainer 300 and ball 400 can rotate together clockwise orcounterclockwise with hall 400 additionally moving around withincontainer 300.

In some embodiments, first container shell 302 can include a firstcontainer shell exterior surface 312, a first container shell interiorsurface 314, a first container shell void 316, a first container shellfirst half 318, and a first container shell second half 320.

First container shell exterior surface 312 can be that surfacepositioned on the outer side of first container shell 302 and firstcontainer shell interior surface 314 can be that surface positioned onthe inside of first container shell 302. First container shell 302 canhave a first container shell thickness 321 as measured between firstcontainer shell exterior surface 312 and first container shell interiorsurface 314. In one example, first container shell thickness 321 can beapproximately 5 millimeters thick.

First container shell interior surface 314 can form a spherical surfacehaving first container shell interior center 322 and a first containershell interior diameter 324 passing through first container shellinterior center 322. First container shell void 316 can be an emptyspace surrounded by first container shell interior surface 314. Firstcontainer shell void 316 is large enough to permit ball 400 to bothrotate and move within first container shell void 316. First containershell void 316 can be defined by first container shell interior diameter324.

In some embodiments, first container shell first half 318 and firstcontainer shell second half 320 can be two halves of first containershell 302 that can come together to form first seam 326 to enclose firstcontainer shell interior surface 314. In some embodiments, firstcontainer shell first half 318 and first container shell second half 320each can have a hemisphere shape as half of a sphere.

In some embodiments, second container shell 304 can include a secondcontainer shell exterior surface 306, a second container shell interiorsurface 308, a second container shell void 310, a second container shellfirst half 328, and a first container shell second half 330.

Second container shell exterior surface 306 can be that surfacepositioned on the outer side of second container shell 304 and secondcontainer shell interior surface 308 can be that surface positioned onthe inside of second container shell 304. The second container shell 304can have a second container shell thickness 328 as measured betweensecond container shell exterior surface 306 and second container shellinterior surface 308. In one example, second container shell thickness327 can be approximately 5 millimeters thick. Second container shell 304can include raised portions on its exterior surface 340 (FIG. 3) tofacilitate gripping the container by hand 12.

In some embodiments, second container shell interior surface 308 canform a spherical surface having second container shell interior center332 and a second container shell interior diameter 334 passing throughsecond container shell interior center 332.

Second container shell void 310 can be the space surrounded by secondcontainer shell interior surface 308. In some embodiments, secondcontainer shell void 310 can be large enough to encase first containershell 302.

In some embodiments, second container shell first half 328 and secondcontainer shell second half 330 can be two halves of second containershell 304 that may come together to form second seam 336 to enclose andcover second container shell interior surface 308. In some embodiments,second container shell first half 328 and second container shell secondhalf 330 each can have a hemisphere shape as half of a sphere.

In some embodiments, the second container shell interior diameter 334passing through the second container shell interior center 332 isapproximately equal to the first container shell exterior diameter 338so that second container shell interior surface 308 intimately coversfirst container shell exterior surface 312 when second container shell304 is positioned around first container shell 302.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled exercise device100 and second container shell second half 330. First container shell302 can be positioned inside second container shell first half 328.First container shell first half 318 and first container shell secondhalf 320 can be sealed together and form first seam 326. Secondcontainer first half 328 can be a continuous piece with splint 200 thatcan have slots 210 for straps, a splint shell 202 and shell bend portion212. Splint 200 can include flanges 232 that reinforce shell bendportion 212 against centripetal force generated by the ball rotating inthe container. To complete assembly of exercise device 100, secondcontainer shell second half 330 can be placed over first container shell302 to cover first container shell exterior surface 312 and form secondseam 336 perpendicular to first seam 326. A sensor unit capable ofdetecting motion of the exercise device can also be attached to theexercise device.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises methods of making theexercise device of the invention. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises placing the ball in a half of a first container shell; joiningthe other half of the first container shell to form a first seam;placing the first container shell inside a half of a second containershell; and joining the other half of the second container shell to formthe second seam.

In some embodiments, the exercise device is manufactured by placing theball in a half of the first container shell and joining the second halfof first container shell with adhesive, ultrasonic welding, chemicalwelding, tape or other suitable means to form a first seam. In someembodiments, the first container shell is then placed inside a half ofsecond container shell that forms a single piece with splint, andjoining the second half of the second container shell to form secondseam so that the first seam is positioned so that it is not in the sameplane as the second seam. In some embodiments, a sensor unit capable ofdetecting motion of the exercise device is attached to the bottom of thesplint. The sensor unit can be positioned so that a user can observesignals from the sensor unit during use.

This method of manufacturing is advantageous. When the parts of theexercise device are made by injection molding, it is difficult tomanufacture container shells without air bubbles having a thicknessgreater than about 5 millimeters. However, spheres of such size can havea tendency to crack during extended use of the exercise device due tothe ball banging into the internal surfaces of the container when a userfails to sufficiently control the exercise device and continuously spinthe ball around the circumference of the container. Nesting the firstcontainer shell inside the second container shell so that the innersurface of the second container shell is in intimate contact with thefirst container shell reinforces the first container shell and reducesor eliminates cracking due from the ball banging into the interiorsurfaces of the container.

Furthermore, during extended heavy use, the force generated by the ballrotating around the inner circumference of the container can result inseparation of containers composed of two or more pieces that are gluedtogether. This occurs because injected molded container shell pieceswithout air bubbles have a thickness of about 5 millimeters, thisthickness does not provide a sufficient surface area for adhesive todurably secure the pieces together. However, after extensive research,the inventor has surprisingly found that if two container shells areused wherein each is composed of two or more pieces joined together atseams, then separation of the shells can be eliminated by nesting thefirst container shell in the second container shell and positioning theseam or seams of the first container shell in a different plane than theseam or seams of the second container shell. In some embodiments, eachcontainer shell has one seam and the seams are positioned to beperpendicular to each other.

The invention also provides a method of exercising a rotator cuff of ashoulder of a user, comprising providing the user with the exercisedevice of the invention, wherein the user moves the exercise device withtheir arm and rotates the container housing at a sufficient speed tomove the ball within the container housing in a direction that follows acircumference of the first container shell interior surface, therebyexercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.

The user can position his/her hand at various heights and positionswithin three-dimensional space, i.e. in front of his/her body, tohis/her side, above his/her head, or in front of the face. The user thencan move his/her arm in a circular and multidirectional fashion to spinthe ball within the container in a centrifugal manner. This can generategyroscopic-like resistance. This resistance can help exercise thevarious muscles groups in the shoulder, specifically small, surroundingstabilizing muscles known as the rotator cuff. An individual cam varythe resistance of the device by using different container diameters andball weights. This can provide an effective way to strengthen and/orrehabilitate the muscles within the shoulder joint.

In the process of generating the gyroscopic effect, the shoulder can bestressed in a multidirectional manner. Opposing muscle groupssurrounding the shoulder joint must activate and deactivate in asynchronous rapid fashion in response to the resistance provided by theexercise device. This develops the strength and coordination of smallstabilizing rotator cuff muscle groups at small magnitudes of movement,while the larger power muscles will be called into action at largermagnitudes of movement. By placing the hand in various positions duringthe workout, such as changing from the front of the body to the side ofthe body, the user can target train different muscle groups specificallyat different times during the same workout period. This improvesproprioception and ability to move the shoulder in a coordinatedthree-dimensional fashion that can be the basis of all activities of theshoulder during daily use.

In some embodiments, the user utilizes the sensor unit described aboveto track performance metrics during a workout with the exercise device.In some embodiments, the user can track the effort or intensity of theworkout; the length of the workout; and/or the peak, average and/or meanRPM during the workout. In some embodiments, the user performs a workoutwith the exercise device based on goals provided by the sensor unit. Insome embodiments, the user inputs data such as biometric data and/or theanticipated total force required by the rotator cuff to do the work of aparticular event into the sensor unit and the sensor unit displaysworkout goals calculated using this data. The user can then perform aseries of workouts with the exercise device as directed by the sensorunit in order to prepare for performing the event. In some embodiments,the user performs a workout with the exercise device based on RPM and/orheart rate provided by the sensor device. In some embodiments, the userstores information obtained by the sensor unit from a workout with theexercise device in the sensor unit or transfers the information toanother electronic device. In some embodiments, the user tracksimprovements in workout performance utilizing data obtained by thesensor unit.

In some embodiments, the user performs a workout with the device andmaintains the ball within the container at an RPM of between 10 and 320,as indicated by a green light on the sensor unit, for an easymaintenance level workout. In some embodiments, the user performs aworkout with the device and maintains ball within the container at anRPM of greater than 320, as indicated by a red light on the sensor unit,for a high intensity workout. Thus, the sensor unit indicators of ballRPM can act as a “motivational coach” for the user.

In some embodiments, the user performs workouts with the exercise deviceas part of recovery from shoulder injuries or surgeries. The exercisedevice can provide an effective way to rehabilitate and strengthen themuscles in the rotator cuff, as it can allow an individual to experienceresistance using omni-directional movements with the arm. The exercisedevice can fulfill the need for a way to safely rehabilitate andstrengthen the muscles in the shoulder joint. Using the deviceconsistently can lead to a quicker recovery from injury or surgery and areduced risk of re-injuring the shoulder joint. The appealing featuresof the exercise device can be its ease of use, safe and effectiveness,versatility, small size and compactness, portability, and ability tohelp rehabilitate the shoulder after surgery or injury.

In addition, the user's movements can generate the gyroscopic resistanceoffered by the exercise device. Thus, the individual can vary the degreeof intensity during a workout or rehabilitation exercise. The user alsocan employ different combinations of container diameters and ballweights to achieve many different degrees of resistance. This can allowan individual to use a minimal amount of resistance when beginning arehabilitation regimen for the shoulder and then increase resistancegradually as the muscles in the rotator cuff became stronger. This canallow the individual to make steady and consistent progress whenrecovering from an injury or surgery and can reduce the risk ofre-injuring the shoulder during a rehabilitation program.

The exercise device can feature a small, lightweight, and compact designand thus can be transported to any location and used virtually anywhere.It can be ideal for use in the home, as well as in rehabilitationclinics, sports medicine facilities, and hospitals. The portable natureof the exercise device can make it ideal for use among physicaltherapists and personal trainers, as it can be easily transported toclients' homes for use during private training and rehabilitationsessions. The exercise device also can be particularly ideal for useamong a wide range of athletes, particularly those who place significantamounts of stress on their shoulders. These can include bothprofessional and recreational athletes who play baseball, football,tennis, volleyball, golf, hockey, and basketball. The exercise devicecan be safe and easy to use, effectively designed, versatile,convenient, practical, and durable for years of virtuallymaintenance-free use.

The exercise device can be light in weight, but the centrifugal andgyroscopic principles employed by the exercise device can generate up to100 pounds of torque energy, such as seen in high velocity throwing orswinging sports. The exercise device can benefit training camps forhigh-level overhead athletes. The small size of the exercise devicemakes it easy to transport and may be used while traveling on businessor used by a personal trainer when visiting different client households.

The information disclosed herein is provided merely to illustrateprinciples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of thesubject matter of the terms of the claims. The written specification andfigures are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather thana restrictive sense. Moreover, the principles disclosed may be appliedto achieve the advantages described herein and to achieve otheradvantages or to satisfy other objectives, as well.

1. An exercise device for a rotator cuff of a shoulder of a usercomprising a container housing, wherein the container housing comprisesi) a first container shell, wherein the first container shell comprisesa first container shell exterior surface and a first container shellinterior surface surrounding a first container shell void, wherein thefirst container shell interior surface forms a substantially sphericalsurface; ii) a second container shell, wherein the second containershell comprises a second container shell exterior surface and a secondcontainer shell interior surface, wherein the second container shellinterior surface surrounds the first container shell exterior surfacewhereby the first container shell is nested inside the second containershell; and iii) a spherical ball positioned within the first containershell void; wherein when the exercise device is in use, movement androtation of an arm of a user causes movement and rotation of thecontainer housing and movement and rotation of the ball within thecontainer housing in a direction that follows a circumference of thefirst container shell interior surface, thereby exercising the rotatorcuff of the shoulder of the user.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1,wherein the diameter of the second container shell interior surface issubstantially equal to the diameter of the first container shellexterior surface.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the firstcontainer shell comprises two substantially equal halves joined at afirst seam, wherein the second container shell comprises twosubstantially equal halves joined at a second seam, wherein the firstseam and the second seam do not occupy substantially the same plane. 4.The exercise device of claim 3, wherein the substantially equal halvesof each of the first container shell and/or the second container shellare joined together by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, chemical welding,glue, adhesive tape, or mechanical fasteners.
 5. The exercise device ofclaim 4, where the second container shell outer diameter is about 4inches to about 6 inches.
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein theball has a rubber coating on its surface, wherein the ball comprisesplastic, rubber, tempered glass, wood, metal, or metal alloy.
 7. Theexercise device of claim 1, where the ball has a weight of about 1 ounceto about 10 ounces.
 8. The exercise device of claim 1, furthercomprising a splint, wherein the splint is attached to the containerhousing, wherein the splint effectively eliminates wrist motion andthereby imparts all active motion needed to spin the ball to theshoulder's rotator cuff muscle.
 9. The exercise device of claim 8,wherein the splint comprises i) a splint shell configured to be attachedto the arm to restrain the wrist from moving in a turning motion, andii) at least one strap attached to the splint shell.
 10. The exercisedevice of claim 8, wherein the splint comprises a splint shellconfigured to be attached to the arm to restrain the wrist from movingin a turning motion, wherein the user's forearm and/or wrist arestabilized onto the splint by an external wrap.
 11. The exercise deviceof claim 8, further comprising a sensor unit capable of detecting motionof the exercise device.
 12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein thesensor unit is attached to the splint or the container housing.
 13. Theexercise device of claim 11, wherein the sensor unit comprises anaccelerometer.
 14. The exercise device of claim 11, where the sensorunit comprises an indicator of ball rotations within the containerhousing.
 15. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the sensor unit iscapable of storing information about the use of the exercise deviceand/or biometric data about the user.
 16. The exercise device of claim15, wherein the sensor unit is capable of transmitting the informationand/or biometric data to another device.
 17. A method of exercising arotator cuff of a shoulder of a user, comprising providing the user withthe exercise device of claim 1, wherein the user moves the exercisedevice with their arm and rotates the container housing at a sufficientspeed to move the ball within the container housing in a direction thatfollows a circumference of the first container shell interior surface,thereby exercising the rotator cuff of the shoulder of the user.
 18. Theexercise device of claim 11, wherein the sensor unit comprises anindicator of ball rotations within the container housing, wherein theindicator is an emission of light, wherein the intensity of emission oflight varies as a rheostat in accordance with the velocity of the spinrate of the ball.
 19. The exercise device of claim 18, wherein when theball is rotating at about 10 to 320 rotations per minute a firstintensity of light is emitted and a second intensity of light is emittedwhen the ball is rotating at greater than about 320 rotations perminute.
 20. The exercise device of claim 18, wherein a higher spin rateresults in a greater intensity of light emission and a lower spin rateresults in a dimming of the light emission intensity.